I started posting on HowieinSeattle in 11/04, following progressive American politics in the spirit of Howard Dean's effort to "Take Our Country Back." I decided to follow my heart and posted on seattleforbarackobama from 2/07 to 11/08.--"Howie Martin is the Abe Linkin' of progressive Seattle."--Michael Hood.

The mayors of eight British Columbia cities, in a joint letter, liken marijuana enforcement to “alcohol prohibition in the United States in the 1930′s” and say that only organized crime profits from costly anti-pot measures.
The growth and export of “B.C. Bud” is an estimated $7 billion a year business in the western province oft-dubbed Canada’s “lotus land: B.C. has an estimated 20,000 grow operations, although a formal count is impossible.
“Widespread access to marijuana for our youth, grow-ops that provide funds for organized crime, and significant costs to taxpayers for enforcement are all compelling reasons to re-examine our failed approach to prohibition,” said Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson, one of those signing the letter.
As if to emphasize his point, thousands of Lower Mainland teenagers gathered in downtown Vancouver for a public 4/20 smoke-in last Friday. 4/20 has become a north-of-the-border equivalent of Seattle’s Hempfest, but without the organization, cameo appearances by politicians, and careful cleanup. MORE...